Power Steering Service

The power steering system in your vehicle allows you to easily make left and right turns when you move the steering wheel. This is because the power steering pump exerts pressure from the power steering fluid to respond to your actions at the steering wheel. Key components include the power steering fluid, power steering pump, rack and pinion, power steering cooler and pressure hoses and the power steering reservoir.

When the power steering fluid in the system begins to leak and breakdown down, pressure in the pump loses strength and causes greater difficulty in steering. Symptoms in detecting this problem include groaning and whining noises, erratic steering and pump leaks.

Preventative maintenance for the power steering system is to flush out the old fluid and install new power steering fluid. At CJ Foreign Car, we will use a powerful cleaner to suspend and dissolve varnish and gums in the power steering system and then flush away all of the old fluid and replace it with new premium steering fluid for both conventional sector and rack and pinion. The benefit will be a quieter-operating and longer lasting power-steering system.

Air Conditioning Service

The air conditioning system in your vehicle can lose strength when moisture or air leaks into the system and/or one or more of its key parts fail such as the belt, compressor, hose or condenser.

When you bring your vehicle into CJ Foreign Car for air conditioning service, our technicians will complete an inspection of the air conditioning system for leaks and wear. We will measure and replenish the refrigerant by performing an evacuation and recharge of the freon refrigerant while adding fluorescent dye to aid in the detection of possible leaks.

Our air conditioning service will clean air conditioning lines, evaporator and ventilator and kill any bacteria mold or fungi in the system. The air inside your vehicle will be much cleaner and 4 to 5 degrees cooler thanks to increased efficiency.

Our A/C service also includes retrofitting your vehicle from R-12 to the post-1995 EPA standard refrigerant R-134a. R-134a is environmentally friendly and is less expensive than R-12 freon - helping you stay green and more efficient on the road.

Battery / Alternator / Starter Repair

Keeping your vehicle's charging system healthy is vital towards ensuring that your vehicle starts every time you press Start. When the charging system fails to operate properly, your vehicle becomes vulnerable to breaking down. At CJ Foreign Car we have the diagnostic tools to test the strength of vehicle’s battery, alternator and starter, (the main components of the charging system).

For battery replacements, we will install original BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen batteries with the ability to register the battery to the vehicle's latest software. In additional we install Interstate Batteries with an 18-month free-replacement warranty. When replacing the battery we will ensure that the new battery includes terminal protectors to prevent future corrosion of the battery, (24 month guarantee). Note: battery corrosion is the number one reason for battery failures.

For failed alternators and starters, we install Bosch replacements that include a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Bosch is the original equipment supplier for late model BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen vehicles.

Brake Service & Repair

When you notice your brake warning light appear, it means that your vehicle’s braking system is due for service. The basic components of your vehicle brake system that develops wear over time are the brake pads, brake rotors, brake hoses and brake fluid. At CJ Foreign Car we will inspect the condition of these essential parts and replace them as necessary to keep you safe on the road.

A brake fluid flush is recommended every 2 years by most vehicle manufacturers as preventative maintenance. We use a BG Brake Flush System that effectively flushes out all oxidized and corrosive fluid from the entire brake system. The old fluid is replaced by premium grade brake fluid that provides excellent rust and corrosion protection throughout the brake system.

For electronic brake and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) problems, we will perform a computer diagnostic to determine if your vehicle has developed a faulty computer module or if the vehicle needs a software update. Our technicians have the ability to perform these advanced repairs to keep your brakes operating safely and efficiently on the road.

Check Engine Light Diagnostic

The Check Engine light on your vehicle is controlled by your vehicle's on-board computer (OBD). This computer continuously monitors the vehicle’s drivability and various computer modules to make adjusts for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. When the check engine and service light displays on your dashboard, the computer has detected a fault in the vehicle’s performance and repairs are required.

Various reasons that can cause the check engine light to come on can be due to vacuum leaks, battery weakness, and outdated vehicle software among other reasons. This warning light will help alerting you of possible issues with your vehicle before you are stranded on the road.

We carry the most up to-date equipment and computer diagnostic tools to service models as late as 2013. In addition, our technicians are continually trained for BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini to keep up with the latest automotive technology to perform these types of repairs on your vehicle.

Cooling System Service

The easiest way to detect a problem with your cooling system is noticing the temperature gauge reaching towards the red and/or noticing any puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle. When this happens, the cooling system in your vehicle is not functioning properly. If left alone, this problem can lead to permanent damage to the engine.

At CJ Foreign Car, we will examine the key components that operate your vehicle’s cooling system and make repairs accordingly. These key components include the radiator, thermostat, water pump and radiator hoses. Performing a pressure test on the system will pinpoint weaknesses in the system. We will also read your vehicle's computer as many vehicles will record cooling system failures and cause your Check Engine light to appear.

We recommended a Coolant Flush as preventative maintenance for the cooling system every 2 years or 24,000 miles. In this service the entire cooling system is first cleaned by removing all debris and worn out coolant from the system. Then, fresh new premium coolant is added with a conditioner to prevent rust/corrosion along with a sealer to prevent future leaks. We will ensure that the correct coolant grade specified for your vehicle is added. This is important for BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini vehicles.

Emission Control Repair

Every two (2) years the State of Maryland requires an inspection of your vehicle’s emission to ensure that it meets the Maryland's emissions standards. The Maryland Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) is an important component of Maryland's plan to improve air quality of ground-level ozone.

CJ Foreign Car is an authorized emissions repair center and is authorized to complete all repairs needed to comply with emissions standards. For vehicles 1996 and newer, CJ Foreign Car provides On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) tests to determine causes of emission failure. It is important to note that if the Check Engine light is on, the vehicle cannot be tested for emissions and repairs need to be performed. (view Check Engine Light).

Fuel, Rail and Air Induction Service

Fuel, Air and Rail induction service cleans deposits that build up in the fuel and air induction systems of an engine over time. These deposits sit on intake valves, intake ports, fuel injectors and combustion chambers causing problems such as hesitation, hard starts, stalling, rough idle and loss of power - all of these can cause emission control problems and allow you to fail VEIP emission tests.

The CJ Foreign Car Fuel, Air and Rail Induction service will use highly effective system cleaners to quickly remove accumulated deposits in the air intake area and safely clean fuel injectors. The service also adds BG 44K in the fuel system to enhance fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions. Your vehicle will notice a difference in performance and efficiency with smoother idles and a quieter engine.

The Fuel, Air and Rail Induction service is recommended in maintenance schedules by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini.

Tune-up Maintenance

CJ Foreign Car's automotive service technicians can keep your vehicle regularly maintained to extend the life of your vehicle. Avoid costly repairs and breakdowns by keeping your vehicle maintained according to the manufacturer schedule.

Key areas of your vehicle that need to be maintained are engine, transmission, fuel system, power steering, cooling system, brake system, battery and emissions. Read about each service to learn specific details of services we perform.

We perform the following manufacturer specific maintenance schedules:

Audi/VW/Porsche maintenance schedule every 10k miles

BMW Inspection I and II

Land Rover service schedules

Mini Inspection I & II

Mercedes Service A - G

Volvo maintenance schedule every 7.5k miles

Tune Up Service includes the replacement of spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, cabin filters, tire rotation, oil change and key fluid flushes

Maryland State Inspection

By Maryland state law, a vehicle safety inspection is required for all new and used vehicles, trucks and trailers being titled and registered in Maryland. CJ Foreign Car Service is an authorized inspection station and is certified to complete all repairs needed to pass the safety inspection.

The inspection itself is a 26-point exam measuring the safety of the steering, suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, exhaust system, fuel system, electrical lights and the chassis. If any of these items fail the inspection, you have 30 days or 1,000 miles, (whichever comes first); to complete the required repairs before the vehicle must be inspected again.

Once the vehicle passes inspection, your vehicle will be issued a certificate that must be presented to the MVA for registration within 90 days.

We also provide repairs for DC inspections

*Please note that Maryland inspections are available for drop-off service only.

Oil Change

All oil changes at CJ Foreign Car consists of draining the old oil, replacing the old oil filter with a new one and refilling the engine with new synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil. In addition we complete a 28- point inspection that checks drive belts, coolant level, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, air filter, tires and tire pressure, universal joints, battery oxidation and a visual inspection of the brakes. Oil and service warning lights will be reset with every service.

Vehicle specific motor oils available include:

Castrol GTX Synthetic Oil

BMW Synthetic Oil

Mobil 1 fully-Synthetic Oil

Synthetic Blend Oil (used in all regular oil changes)

Castrol Diesel Regular and Synthetic Oil

BG Hi-Low 0W-30

BG RF-7

BG MOA

Performance oil change service: This is an advanced service that clears out engine oil sludge from engines and restores compression performance. This service will purge engine oil system of dirty contaminated oil that remains in the system during a normal drain-and-fill process. The Performance Oil Change Service also installs BG MOA and fuel injector cleaner BG CF-5 to further improve engine performance and fuel economy.

Power Steering Service

The power steering system in your vehicle allows you to easily make left and right turns when you move the steering wheel. This is because the power steering pump exerts pressure from the power steering fluid to respond to your actions at the steering wheel. Key components include the power steering fluid, power steering pump, rack and pinion, power steering cooler and pressure hoses and the power steering reservoir.

When the power steering fluid in the system begins to leak and breakdown down, pressure in the pump loses strength and causes greater difficulty in steering. Symptoms in detecting this problem include groaning and whining noises, erratic steering and pump leaks.

Preventative maintenance for the power steering system is to flush out the old fluid and install new power steering fluid. At CJ Foreign Car, we will use a powerful cleaner to suspend and dissolve varnish and gums in the power steering system and then flush away all of the old fluid and replace it with new premium steering fluid for both conventional sector and rack and pinion. The benefit will be a quieter-operating and longer lasting power-steering system.

Suspension Repairs

Suspension on your vehicle including shocks, struts, air springs, control arms and steering links can wear and break causing your vehicle to lose stability. Suspension monitors are also available on BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Land Rover vehicles to maintain and adjust the stability of your drive. Warning lights such as the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) may appear if their is a fault with any of these monitors. If you notice any steering problems, warning lights, noises at high speeds or when driving over bumps, bring your vehicle in for a suspension diagnostic and vehicle stability check.

At CJ Foreign Car we repair major and minor suspension and computer aided problems to help you retain the comfort of your drive. Our alignment service including 2-wheel and 4-wheel alignments for vehicles to correct driving stability problems and maintain even tire wear. An alignment correction will give your vehicle a straight and level track while driving on the road.

Additionally the tires on your vehicle must always be checked to ensure safety and fuel efficiency. A good habit to create is to circle your vehicle every time you fill gas to check the tire pressure and amount of wear on each tire

Transmission and Drivetrain Service

Whether manual or automatic, CJ Foreign Car technicians are trained to service and repair drive train transmissions, differentials and clutches.

For automatic transmissions, we recommend a BG transmission flush every 30,000 miles or according to your manufacturer's schedule . Rather than just removing the fluid found in the bottom of the pan, the entire transmission is cleaned and replenished with the use of safe cleaning agents and new transmission fluid. Harmful deposits from critical transmission components from the old, oxidized fluid are exchanged for new fluid of the exact specifications required by your vehicle - including synthetic transmission fluid and manufacturer specific ATF.

Differential and Gearbox service will help maintain the life of your manual gearbox and drivetrain differential by removing and replacing worn out lubricant with specific GL-4 and GL-5 gear oil. Gearbox and Differential service will be recommended according to the vehicle manufacturer.

Loaner Vehicles

Complementary loaner vehicle available for repairs over $500.00. Speak to our service manager for more details.